WARNING: THIS CHAPTER IS RATED M
Citadel, Elevator Shaft
Shepard fired off three more rounds and another Cerberus troop fell. Shepard hid behind an air filtration unit on top of the elevator. She was looking for him. The one in black, who stabbed Thane. She knew he would try at least one more time to make a move at the Council. To the left; She saw the glow of his goggles. She rushed out from her hiding spot. She timed it perfectly; upon impact, she lifted him into the air and slammed into the ground, her full weight landing on top of him. She pushed herself up and swung her fist, connecting with his face.
"I'm going to fucking kill you for what you did to Thane motherfucker!" Shepard swore as she connected another punch with her other hand. A final punch with her good hand before Leng managed to shove her off and he leaped to a different elevator and back inside it. Suddenly, his elevator slowed down greatly. The elevator Shepard was on went on for a few more seconds before coming to a stop.
"Go!" Shepard heard Ashley's voice below.
Garrus helped her to her feet.
"Come on Shepard, almost there," he said.
The three dropped down.
"Back to the elevator," Ashley said ahead of them.
As Ashley turned around she was Shepard, Garrus and Liara standing there. Liara locked the door behind them.
"Shepard?" Ashley asked.
"Shepard's blocking our escape. She's with Cerberus," Udina said.
"Everybody, hang on," Ashley said steeping between the council and Shepard and friends. She had her weapon aimed at them, which cause them to do the same.
"Shepard, what's happening here?" Ashley asked.
"You know me better than this Ash," Shepard said.
"I knew the old Shepard. Before Cerberus. The one who told me she didn't want to have any kids. Now, I'm not sure who I'm dealing with," Ashley said.
Shepard tossed her weapon to the ground and motion for Garrus and Liara to lower theirs.
"We don't have time to negotiate. You've been fooled. All of you. Udina is behind this attack. The salarian councilor confirmed it," Shepard said.
"Please, you have no proof. You never do," Udina said stepping forward.
"There are Cerberus soldiers in the elevator shaft behind us. If you open that door, they will kill you all," Shepard said.
"We've mistrusted Shepard before, and it did not help us," the asari councilor said.
"We don't have time to debate this. We are dead if we stay out here. I'm overriding the lock," Udina said stepping over to the console.
Shepard stepped forward but Ashley stepped in her way.
"I'm gonna regret this," Ashley said.
"No," Shepard said. "You're not."
"Udina, step back from the console," Ashley said turning and aiming her weapon at him.
"To hell with this," Udina said. He turned to the console. He started to override the door. The asari councilor walked over to him and tried to stop him. Udina shoved her down and drew a gun on her.
"Gun!" Ashley yelled.
Before anyone could move, there was a dash of blue, and then another. A grunt of pain came from Udina. He had the tip of an omni-blade sticking through his chest. His hand that had his gun was held back by a hand. The gun fell from his hand. He turned his head to see her.
"Nobody stabs me in the back Udina," she said coldly.
It dawned on him. Shepard shoved the blade deeper into the wound, the blade now completely through him, piercing out the front of his chest.
"Nobody," she said.
Shepard shoved him forward and removed the blade as his body collapsed to the ground.
"Especially not a fucking snake in the grass like you."
"Son of a bitch," Ashley said.
There were sparks that came from the door.
"The door!" the turian councilor motioned.
Shepard, Liara, Garrus, and Ashley all aimed weapons at the door.
It opened and there was Bailey, pointing a weapon at them. Another unarmed man was with him.
"Bailey?" Shepard asked.
"Made it as fast as we could Shepard. Looks like you uhh . . took care of things," he replied.
"Something's not right," the asari councilor said walking over. "You said Cerberus was targeting us. Where did their soldiers go?"
"Cerberus was right here, but they beat feet into the keeper tunnels when they figured out we were coming. Sorry councilor, I'll say it plain. Shepard just saved the lot of ya," Bailey said.
"Then you have saved my life twice now Shepard," the turian councilor said. "I owe you both a personal debt, and one on behalf of Palevan.
"You don't owe me anything councilor. Time's like this, we all stand together," Shepard said.
"Commander, do you have any idea why the Illusive Man would do this?" the turian councilor asked.
"No, I don't" Shepard replied. "But I plan to find out."
The turian councilor nodded.
Normandy, Captains Quarters
Shepard dragged her feet over to the bed and fell face first into it. She was drained. The aftermath of the attempted coup by Cerberus has left the Citadel in chaos. It was bad enough when it was just the Reapers. This second front in the war had been not completely unforeseen, but this was very brazen. Even for the Illusive Man. Attacking the Citadel directly? What the hell was that man thinking? Shepard didn't have time to think. Her head hurt. It was bad enough that thousand of innocents, and Thane, had died in the attack. At least Ashley was back stationed on the Normandy. And Shepard did in fact notice how Specialist Traynor watched as the Lieutenant-Commander walked aboard the ship. She hoped that it would work out with them. But all of this would have to wait until she got some rest.
*30 minutes later*
Shepard sat up and screamed, breathing heavy. She looked around and saw she was still alone in her quarters.
"Only another nightmare," she said to herself.
She glanced at the clock.
"And only a half hour of sleep," she said.
She opened her omni-tool and browsed through her messages. She opened a new call.
"Liara, you had something you wanted to discuss in my cabin," Shepard said into the tool on her arm, rubbing her eyes with her free hand.
"Yes, I'll be right up," Liara's voice came from the omni-tool.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Shepard saw Liara standing there holding something in her hands.
"Come on in," Shepard motioned.
"Thank you," Liara said entering the room. "Could we sit?"
Shepard sat on the couch, while Liara was crouched near the table.
"I've been thinking about the knowledge we gathered on the Reapers, and how easily it could be lost again," Liara began setting up something on the table in front of them. "So . . . I put a plan in motion to preserve tings for the future."
A blue light came from the device and a beam went to the ceiling. Liara leaned back.
"What's this?" Shepard asked.
"A record of the galaxy. Information on the Reapers, relays, different cultures . . . and blueprints of the Crucible," Liara replied.
The device changed between several different images.
"But there's one entry I wanted your opinion on," Liara continued.
"Which one?" Shepard asked smiling at her.
"Your own," Liara replied.
She bent down and pressed the device. The image projected changed to Shepard.
"I'd be honored to have your input. How would you like history to remember you?" Liara asked.
Shepard smiled. "You know me well enough to fill in the blanks, Liara."
"Are you sure?" Liara said standing up.
"Yeah, I'd like it to be your call," Shepard said.
"All right," Liara began to walk around the room. "Let's begin with the fact that Earth's most famous officer was born and raised in space. Shepard was an extremely talented biotic. And one of the most powerful fighters in the Alliance. She was a solider and a leader, one who made peace when she could. And it was a privilege to know her," Liara said.
"Careful, this doesn't sound like a diary," Shepard joked.
"I can't help myself," Liara said sitting next to Shepard. "You're a good friend Shepard."
"You've been there for me too Liara," Shepard replied.
"No I haven't," Liara replied coldly.
Shepard frowned.
"I wish I could have joined you back on Illium," she continued.
Shepard took her hand.
"You made up for it," Shepard replied.
The pair sat back and smiled.
"Well, I suppose I did just write your name in the stars," Liara joked.
They stared at the hologram for a moment before the stars disappeared.
The pair turned the heads to look at each other.
"What?" Liara asked smiling.
Shepard just smiled back. She had butterflies in her stomach, but knew it was the right time. Shepard slowly got down on one knee.
"Shepard?" Liara asked, as she began to put it all together.
"There's one more thing you can put in that capsule," Shepard said reaching into her pocket. She produced a small box, and upon opening, revealed a ring.
Liara's hand covered her mouth, her eyes wide.
"Liara T'soni. I've been in love with you ever since the moment I laid eyes on you. There is no force in this life, or the next that will ever keep us apart again. Especially not the Reapers. Will you marry me?" Shepard said.
Liara was already nodding before Shepard could finish the question.
"Yes, Shepard, Yes, yes, yes!" Liara shouted through her hands.
Shepard took her one hand, removed the glove and placed the ring on her finger. The two came together in a long kiss. Shepard's one arm left Liara's back and her omni-tool glowed. The door lock appeared and glowed before turning red, locking it. The omni-tool went away, and rather than her arm returning to Liara's back, her hand reached down and squeezed the right of Liara's rear.
"Shepard," Liara said.
"The door is locked," Shepard whispered into her ear. "EDI, some privacy please."
"Of course, Shepard," EDI's voice rang out. The room was then silent for a moment.
"It's our own little private celebration." Shepard said giving Liara's rear another squeeze and a slap.
Liara's hands squeezed their grip on Shepard with the slap and she gave a slightly playful moan with pleasure.
"It's been too long," Shepard said giving her a kiss. "I've been longing for you."
Liara looked into Shepard's eyes.
"Full biotics?" she asked.
"Oh yes, I crave it," Shepard said, getting goosebumps at the mean mention of it.
Biotics amplified the sensations brought on by sex. Combined with the whole "embrace eternity eyes go black" thing it drove Shepard crazy. It would drive her lust to extreme levels and desire to pleasure immeasurable. It would drain away all the stress of this damned war.
"Are you sure you'll be in control," Liara said.
Shepard began to kiss her neck. "Yes."
"Shepard," Liara said. She placed her hands on Shepard cheeks and moved her hands to meet her own. "I need you to tell me. In a serious manner, you will not lose control. If you feel yourself losing control, you let me know. Understand?"
Shepard nodded her head slightly. She brought her own hands up and placed them on Liara's face, matching the location of Liara's hands on her own.
"I promise. I will not lose control," Shepard said. She kissed her.
"Okay," Liara said.
The pair began aggressively kissing. Shepard fell back into the couch and Liara began to straddle her. They began to undress each other. Liara was the first one down to her skivvies while Shepard was in her bra and still have her boots and pants on. The blue glow of biotics began to flow around them, slowly. Shepard's hand found her way down Liara's panties and began to rub, biotics flowing through her fingers. Liara's instantly let out a moan, her hands dug into Shepard. Liara quickly, removed Shepard's bra and began to lick her left nipple. Shepard let out a gasp and pleasure filly groan. Shepard's free hand grabbed hold of one of Liara's breast as the fingers on her other hand entered Liara and began moving back and forth. Liara's mouth came up and kissed Shepard. Liara's eyes were completely black. She was continuously moaning with pleasure, she was close to a climax. Shepard's movement got faster and faster.
"Shepard!" Liara moaned loudly and she reached the top of her climax. Her toes curled, her one arm pulled Shepard body into her's. Her other arm pulled Shepard head into her neck, which Shepard playfully bit into and Liara threw her head back.
2 hours later
Shepard zipped up her hoodie and ran her hands threw her wet hair, shagging it with her hands. She shook it back and forth before tying it up in her signature ponytail, leaving a few strains of hair untied near the front. She stepped out of her bathroom. Liara was still sleeping on the bed. Shepard went to the door, which was still locked. She opened it and started walking through the door, before almost walking into Specialist Traynor.
"Jesus Traynor!" Shepard gasped. She looked back and saw Liara was still asleep.
"Sorry Commander, you have some urgent messages, and EDI had told me you requested privacy, but Dr. Chakwas was-" Traynor was trying to explain.
"Shhh" Shepard said putting her finger on Sam's mouth.
The two walked into the elevator.
"Now, what's going on?" Shepard said.
"You have a message from Admiral Hackett. Also Dr. Chakwas is adamant you see her in the med bay," Traynor said. "She was insistent I tell you no matter what."
"It's okay Traynor. I'll see the message on the way down there. Drop you on the second floor?" Shepard said.
3rd Floor
Shepard approached the door of the med bay. She heard laughing coming from inside. When the door opened, Shepard saw Patrick was sitting on one of the examination tables, his feet swinging off the edge. He was facing Dr. Chakwas, who was sitting her chair with her legs crossed.
"Your mother was crying for almost a half hour and that was just a booster shot," Dr. Chakwas laughed.
Patrick also laughed. Shepard cleared her throat and crossed her arms.
"Speaking of your mother," Dr. Chakwas said turning to Shepard.
"Sharing stories?" Shepard replied.
Patrick hopped off the table and ran to Shepard, giving her a hug.
"Hi mom," he said looking up at her.
"Hey sweetie," she replied.
"Are you really afraid of needles?" he asked letting go of her.
Shepard looked at Dr. Chakwas and raised one eyebrow.
"Is that what the good doctor told you?" Shepard asked him.
He nodded. Shepard got down on one knee. She unzipped her hoodie and removed her right arm from it. She lifted up her sleeve and showed Patrick a colored N7 logo tattooed on her deltoid.
"I wouldn't have this and one other if I was afraid of needles," Shepard said.
"Where's the other one?" he asked.
"My ankle." Shepard tapped her boot as she zipped her hoodie back up.
"So what would you call it then Commander?" Dr. Chakwas said standing up.
She walked over to the medical scanners and began prep.
"They make me uncomfortable is all," Shepard said.
There was only the sound of the equipment.
"I don't have to get any shots for these scans do I?" Shepard asked.
"Don't worry Commander, all you'll have to do is lay still," Dr. Chakwas said. "The machine is ready."
She patted the examination table. Shepard sighed and walked over to the table and lay on her back.
"You'll need to remove the jacket," Dr. Chakwas said.
"Do I have to?" Shepard said.
"Yes, the metal will interfere with the scan," the doctor replied.
Shepard sat up and slowly removed her jacket. Dr. Chakwas was silent but she noticed the marks on Shepard's neck. Shepard handed Dr. Chakwas the jacket.
"Celebrating the victory on Tuchanka?" Dr. Chakwas asked, placing the jacket on the back of a chair.
"Not exactly," Shepard replied. "I uh, . . . proposed to Liara . . and she said yes," Shepard said.
"Oh. Congratulations Shepard," Dr. Chakwas said walking over to the table. Just as the last word left her mouth, she pushed Shepard down onto the table. "Now stay still. Don't want to mess this up."
Patrick walked over and sat in Dr. Chakwas chair. He rocked back in forth in it. After a few brain scans and two body scans, one while using biotics and one while not, Shepard was allowed to sit up.
"How long until you have data?" Shepard asked.
"I have to review it and compare it with your past history as well as a few papers on natural biotic output and emotion. But as you know, there is no other natural human biotic, so the papers are mostly on asari" Dr. Chakwas said.
Shepard nodded. "Let me know when you have your results and we'll go from there."
Shepard and Patrick left the room, holding hands. Patrick felt and looked at the new ring on the Commander's hand.
"Does this mean you and Liara are married?" he asked.
"We will be but not yet. These rings are just to show everyone our intent to. And to show that she said yes when I asked her to marry me," Shepard replied.
"Does that mean she is gonna be my mom too?" he asked looking to her.
"Well, kinda, um how to put this," Shepard began.
She closed her eyes and began to rub her forehead.
"Are you okay?" Patrick asked.
"Yeah, I'm swell little man," she replied.
"Why did Dr. Chakwas have to do those scans then?" he asked.
Shepard sighed. She led him to the Starboard Observation Deck. The pair of them sat down on the couch. She held up her hand and biotics flew threw her hand.
"Do you know what this is?" she asked looking at him.
Patrick nodded his head.
"Well, people- humans, can't use biotics without implants," she replied.
"Oh," Patrick began. "Where the scans to check yours?"
"Well, I don't exactly need one," Shepard said.
"Why?" he replied quickly.
"Well, when I was younger, I was involved in an accident. I was exposed to large amount of element zero. It probably should have killed me, but I somehow survived that day. The first naturally biotic human. Also, and they aren't sure, but before my mom was pregnant with me she worked with element zero. It's unknown if it effected me because I was born a healthy baby," Shepard replied.
"What kind of accident?" Patrick said.
"Your full of questions, aren't you?" Shepard said.
Patrick smiled and Shepard chuckled a little bit.
"Well, I took something that wasn't mine, was in a place I wasn't supposed to be and it fell on me. I remember it hurt so badly, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. And while biotics weren't the only side effect, but they are a positive one."
"What is the other side effect?" Patrick asked.
Shepard closed her eyes and sighed. She remained silent.
"Mom?" Patrick asked lightly nudging her.
"I don't want to give you any bad thoughts, because it's too early in my life to tell, and even if it was, I'm not sure dying in the way I did before got rid of it but, there is a chance that I may develop cancer at any time in my life," Shepard spoke opening her eyes.
Patrick was silent.
The door opening interrupted them. Ashley, Liara and Garrus all entered.
"Oh Shepard, didn't know you were in here. We were just going to have a drink and catch up. Hope we aren't interrupting anything," Ashley said.
"I'm gonna go take a nap," Patrick said hopping off the couch. "Bye mom," he said waving his hand as he walked by.
"It's also to congratulate you two on your engagement, which by the way, thanks for keeping me in the loop Shepard," Garrus said.
Shepard smirked.
"Thanks you two, let's go get that drink," Shepard said. They began to move towards the bar on the Normandy.
"I heard you got a message from Admiral Hackket," Ashley said.
"Yeah I did. Turns out we are heading to the Migrant Fleet, to try and bring quarian support to the fight," Shepard said.
Shepard smirked over her shoulder at Garrus.
"We have two stops to make first though," she continued.
Elevator, one hour later
Samantha was looking forward to some down time. Ever since the attack on the Citadel, comm channels were more active than ever. It was getting harder and harder to decide where to send the info since most Alliance Forces were still stuck on Earth. The door opened. She would have some time to herself and nothing would make her feel better than-
"Traynor!" a voice yelled.
She turned around to see Commander Shepard exit the lounge.
"Oh! Hello Commander," she replied.
"You should come join us in there," Shepard said meeting here there.
"Whose us?" Samantha asked.
Shepard held up finger and walked past her into the bathroom. A few minutes later she returned.
"Sorry, nature calls. Anyway, it's me, Liara, Garrus, Ashley," Shepard finished.
Samantha was tired, but the mention of being around the newest Spectre opened her eyes. That said however, he didn't have the energy to fraternize, more or less with the woman who has caught her eye. Suddenly, she was found herself being pulled towards the door by the hand by Shepard.
"Wait, Shepard no-" Samantha protested.
"Nonsense, there's a seat open next to Ashley," Shepard said.
Samantha suddenly became more alert at the mention of the name.
"Shepard. No." Samantha said firmly, wiggling her hand free and stepping back.
Shepard looked at her confused.
"But I thought-," Shepard started.
"It's not your position to play match maker. Look, I appreciate what you said, but this isn't something you can force. You said it yourself, she's straight. There's no guarantee she's even the slightest bit bi-curious. And even if I were to try and find out, that's my decision to make on my time," Samantha said firmly.
Shepard just stared before looking at the ground, suddenly feeling shitty.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I've been working for the past 14 hours and would like to get some sleep. Commander," Samantha said walking away and into the crew quarters.
Shepard sighed. This certainly didn't help her feel any better.
Normandy CIC, Days Later
Shepard leaned against the center console with her hands and examined the war assets. The past few days had been heavy on her. It seemed like every mission had a different lesson for her. First it was Jacob. She saw the same change in him that she had in herself since becoming a parent. It wads a positive, Then Lesuss happened. Samara had lost another one of her daughters, and Falere made a promise to take her own life if the Reapers return. That would mean three of her children died since she met Shepard. Shepard bowed her head, closed her eyes and sighed as her mind wandered to her own child.
Main Bridge
Samantha walked forward, the quarian Admiral behind her. Shepard had a history with this one, Tali. She hadn't spoken to Shepard, at least on a personal level that wasn't permitted during working hours, since Shepard tried to drag her into that room. To force her and Ashley Williams together. Shepard didn't know that she secretly had feelings for the newest Spectre. Did she? She couldn't, Samantha had been careful in how she went about taking a quick glance at the Lieutenant-Commander walked down the hallway. She would have more time to think about that. She approached the door and punched a few keys on the door.
"They've already begun, but it's just through this door," Samantha said stepping aside.
"Thank you," Tali said nodding and walking into the open doorway.
The door closed and Samantha dropped her formal stance, as she was now alone. She couldn't hear exactly what they were saying but the other admirals hadn't stopped yelling at each other since they arrived. It had seemed smart of Tali to wait behind while the others went ahead. Sam thought though, it was time for lunch. After all she had just been working for the past six hours. She turned around and just as she was turning the corner she bumped into the one person she didn't want to. And worse, their lips met. Sam practically jumped back, her hands over her mouth.
"Oh my god. I just kissed her, no, it wasn't a kiss, you just walked into her, and yep our lips touched," Sam's mind raced at a million miles an hour.
"Are you okay?" Ashley asked.
She didn't appear to notice that their lips were pressed against each other. Or she was so shocked by being walked into that she didn't take notice of what hit where.
"Hello!" Ashley said again.
"Yes, I'm fine, I'm so sorry Lieutenant–Commander, Are you okay?" Sam replied putting her hands down.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Your skin is actually really nice, are you using a specific type of lotion?" Ashley asked.
Ashley was in her casual Alliance blues, what Shepard wore whenever she walked around the Normandy, and their arms had brushed against each other.
Sam tried her hardest, but her cheeks turned red.
"Umm yes, I'll forward a memo to you," Sam blurted out.
"Memo?" Ashley said putting a hand on her hip and raising her eyebrow. "Just watch where your walking Specialist."
Ashley walked by Sam, who stood very still, the embarrassment rushing through her mind, melting in place at the positive comment about herself from Ashley.
"Yes, Ma'am," Sam said.
Suddenly, lunch wasn't on Samantha's mind anymore.
CIC
Ashley entered the CIC only to find that the Admirals were already separated and talking to each other. Shepard and Tali were nowhere to be seen. She walked over towards the left and found them around the corner.
"Tali!" she called out.
Tali and Shepard turned to face their new arrival.
Ashley walked a little faster.
"Ashley!" Tali said putting hands in the air before walking toward her.
The pair embraced in a hug before breaking and rejoining Shepard. The three of them were like sisters. They bonded greatly while on the original Normandy. It has been a long time since they were all in a room together.
"It's great to see you Tali," Ashley said.
"Likewise Ash, congrats on the promotion. Spectre Williams," Tali replied.
"Thanks," Ashley replied.
There was a silence.
"Well don't you have something to say?" Shepard asked.
"Huh?" Ashley replied.
She was confused.
"Oh right, she wasn't in the room yet," Tali said, as if everything made sense.
"Rigggght," Shepard said. "Tali was promoted herself. She is now an Admiral in the Migrant Fleet."
Minutes later
Tali was back talking to the other Admirals. Shepard and Ashley walked down the hall, by the conference room.
"I meant to ask," Shepard began. "And I'm just asking out of curiosity, why weren't you there for the meeting? I thought being a Spectre and all."
"I meant to, and was on my way, but I- someone walked into me and by the time I got there, it was already over," Ashley replied.
"Someone walked into you?" Shepard asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah we both rounded the corner at the same time from different sides and we kinda bumped into each other," Ashley said.
"Who was it?" Shepard asked curiously.
"That Specialist, what's here name? Short black hair, British accent," Ashley said.
"Samantha Traynor," Shepard replied.
"She seem a little weird to you?" Ashley asked stepping into the conference room.
"She means well and she works hard," Shepard replied, following Ashley. "What do you mean?"
"She just seemed like she was tongue tied when I tried to ask her if she was ok. Then I mentioned her skin was soft-" Ashley said.
At that mention Shepard began to cough, choking on her own spit.
"Are you okay?" Ashley said.
"No yeah I'm good, sorry, but why did you touch her skin?" Shepard asked.
"We walked into each other Shepard. You don't do that without physical contact," Ashley said putting her hand on her hip and leaning slightly on one leg.
"Oh yeah," Shepard said.
"Anyway, why would she be nervous around me, she served with me during the Normandy retrofits," Ashley said.
There was a silence.
"I don't know," Shepard said shrugging.
Ashley cross her arms and squinted at Shepard across the table.
"Do you know something I should know Shepard?" she asked.
"Look Ash, I don't know what-" Shepard started.
"Cut the crap Commander, enough shooting the shit. Tell me," Ashley demanded.
There was another silence.
"Commander Shepard to the medbay, Commander Shepard please see Dr. Chakwas in the medbay," Dr. Chakwas voice filled the room.
Shepard took the chance and walked out.
"This isn't over Shepard!" Ashley yelled down the hall.
3rd Floor, Medbay
Shepard entered the medbay and sat down in the chair across the desk from Dr. Chakwas.
"I'm guessing you found something?" Shepard asked.
"You could say that," Dr. Chakwas began.
She handed over a few copies of the scans to Shepard.
"When you use your biotics, your entire brain lights up, but mostly on the right. That's the side of the brain that controls emotion. I can't be certain but, I hypothesis that the biotics puts pressure on your head. The pressure on your left side represses your sense of logic, while the pressure on your right side heightens the emotion you experience.," Chakwas continued.
"This basically takes me out of commission," Shepard said looking up.
"Nothing is going to keep you out from the field Shepard. I realize that. However, you are going to need help keeping your emotions in check," Dr. Chakwas said.
"Now wait a minute-" Shepard tried to protest.
"You'll be seeing Dr. Gustafsson, she's a therapist on the citadel. Ex-Alliance," Dr. Chakwas said. "Oh, and you will be seeing her before you go on another mission. Doctor's orders."
"You just can't-" Shepard said throwing her hands up.
"I just did, Commander," Dr. Chakwas said.
Hours Later, 2nd Floor
The Normandy was almost back to the Citadel. Shepard wasn't happy about this. But due to technical Alliance protocol, if the ship's medical officer thought it necessary that the ship's Commanding Officer needs treatment, even for mental health, then she could direct the ship to where that help may be. She stepped down from the star map and looked over at Traynor. She had kept to herself and Shepard had yet to speak to her since their argument before the quarians arrived on the Normandy. Shepard approached her.
"Commander," Samantha nodded.
"Anything new out there?" Shepard asked.
"Just the same. Too much to go through to ever see an end," Sam said.
Shepard nodded. There was a silence and both of them looked away.
"I'm sorry Sam-"
"I need your help-"
They both just stared at each other.
"Wait what-"
"Wait what-"
"Ok. I'm saying sorry for trying to force you and Ashley together," Shepard said.
"It's fine. You were right. I do fancy her, but when I'm around her, I just tongue-tied. I don't even know why. I normally have confidence around other women but with her I just start melting," Sam said. "I need your help, but you can't make it obvious! No making smartass jokes either."
Shepard smiled.
"Deal."
AUTHOURS NOTES:
Wow. Thank you to all that have followed and favorite this story. I didn't even think one person would like this, more or less at least 15! Bless you. Also this is the first love scene I have ever written. I don't really like my own writing, self-confidence issues, so this was new for me.